Decoding Afro-Cuban Jazz: The Music of Chucho Valdés & Irakere is the most comprehensive analytical guide ever published on modern Afro-Cuban jazz.
Irakere reshaped global jazz by fusing Afro-Cuban folkloric traditions with modern jazz, classical music, and contemporary harmony. In this landmark publication, Maestro Chucho Valdés and Rebeca Mauleón open the door to that language — explaining the rhythmic systems, compositional architecture, cultural lineage, and harmonic innovations that define Afro-Cuban jazz.
This volume functions as three books in one:
• A fully transcribed songbook of eleven of Valdés’ most important works
• A comprehensive guide to the roots and structural elements of Afro-Cuban jazz
• A biographical and analytical study of Valdés and the groundbreaking ensemble Irakere
Inside you’ll find:
• Detailed transcriptions and musical breakdowns
• Explanations of Cuban clave and its structural role
• Analysis of Afro-Cuban folkloric and popular rhythms
• Historical overview of Afro-Cuban music
• Biographies of Chucho Valdés and Irakere
• Dozens of exercises and study tools
• Annotated list of Valdés’ compositional works
• Comprehensive discography and glossary
For pianists, arrangers, composers, percussionists, educators, and serious students of Latin jazz, this book provides rare insight directly from one of the architects of the genre—as well as renowned pianist, educator, and author of The Salsa Guidebook, Rebeca Mauleón.
Spiral-bound, 211 pages, Table of Contents.
Sample Pages:
Endorsements:
“I finally got a chance to play with Chucho in Cuba and I’ve always considered that one of the greatest moments of my career. He is a giant walking the earth.”
— Christian McBride
“Wow! What a read. Part historical, part technical and completely soulful. It has a permanent place on my bookshelf.”
— Tim Jackson
“Beautifully synthesizes Chucho's life, career and music, helping us to understand and celebrate the cultural and historical significance of his contribution, while giving us some lessons in Afro-Cuban music.”
— Simon Rowe
Cuban pianist, composer, and arranger Chucho Valdés is the most influential figure in modern Afro-Cuban jazz. Over a career spanning more than 60 years, he has synthesized Afro-Cuban tradition, jazz, classical music, and contemporary styles into a deeply personal voice. A seven-time GRAMMY® and five-time Latin GRAMMY® Award winner, he has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Science and was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.
